1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow Sedan

Pierce-Arrow enjoyed remarkable prestige and standing from the earliest days of American motor cars. The original Silver Arrow was built for the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1933. Its streamlined styling was the most advanced of the day. It is powered by a 12-cylinder engine of 175 horsepower and priced at a then huge sum of $10,000.

In 1933 five very special streamlined show cars were built to promote Pierce-Arrow's new and highly acclaimed V12 engine. First shown at the New York Auto Show in 1933, the Silver Arrow was designed by Phil Wright and was actually built in the Studebaker factory. The motoring press at the time heralded the Silver Arrow with the slogan 'Suddenly it's 1940!' Special attention was focused on aerodynamics; the wider-angle v12 allowed for a much lower engine bay and dramatic styling hid the twin side-mounted spare tires inside the fenders. It took over three months and thirty skilled men to build the five cars. This is one of the four Silver Arrows still known to exist. Of all the Pierce-Arrow models, the Silver Arrow is perhaps the most sought-after example of 1930s luxury cars.

This particular car, with serial number 1, caused a sensation when it was unveiled at The New York Auto Show in January of 1933. It was the most daring and radical automobile of its day, giving an unnerving glimpse into the future. The $10,000 price tag was humbling; the top speed was a death-defying 115 mph. Only five were built. This one is one of three that survive today. It took three months and thirty skilled men to build the five cars, mostly by hand. This car has scored 100 points at the CCCA Concours. Also, it has won Best of Show and most popular at the Burn Center Concours, Most Elegant at The Pebble Beach Concours, and other Best of Show at Various meets.

On May 27th of 1933, the World's Fair, dubbed 'A Century of Progress', came to Chicago. Among the impressive accomplishments and various achievements was the Travel and Transport Building which housed many of the most expensive automobiles that America had to offer. Included were the Duesenberg Model SJ Torpedo Sedan (the 'Twenty Grand'), and Packard's V-12 powered Sport Sedan (known as the 'Car of the Dome' for its central spot in the building). Cadillac showcased a fastback Aero-Dynamic Coupe powered by a 16-cylinder engine. Stylist Phillip O. Wright and new Pierce-Arrow President Roy Faulkner presented the Silver Arrow.

The Silver Arrow rested on a 139-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by a 12-cylinder engine. It had an automatic clutch and power-assisted brakes, among other advances. Most impressive was its silver streamlined coachwork. The design was smooth that traveled from the roof to the rear of the car. It had flush-fitting doors with door handles inset out of the airstream. Inside, there was a 'step-down' interior that was revolutionary for its era.

This particular Silver Arrow is body number 1, the first Silver Arrow produced. It was sent to East Coast auto shows in 1933, including Boston and New York. A total of five of these super-streamlined dream machines were built. Most examples were used for various promotional uses before being sold to clientele.

This example was purchased by M.C. Hudson, the San Francisco distributor for Crazy Water. He outfitted the doors with Crazy Water logos and the car was used to promote the product throughout California.

Around 1954, the car was found by F. Robert Greene of New York in Texas. At the time it was owned by Mr. D'Oyley, another Crazy Water distributor. After Mr. Greene's ownership, the Silver Arrow was in various short-term ownership prior to being purchased by James Brucker Sr., of Buena Park, California.

By the 1970s, the Silver Arrow had a silver with blue molding paint scheme. By this point in history, Mr. Brucker had opened his collection to the public, calling it the 'Movieworld Cars of the Stars and Planes of Fame.' The car is also believed to have played a role in the 1976 film, Gable and Lombard.

In the late 1970s, the car was sold to Dr. Don Vesley of Louisiana and Florida. In the 1980s, it was sold to the Blackhawk Collection of Danville, California. During this time the car received its current restoration in two-tone silver and pewter, with a correct striped cloth interior.

In 1996, the car was purchased from the Blackhawk Collection by its current caretaker, Thomas Derro. Over the last two decades, it was won awards including Best of Show at Lehigh in 1997 and Radnor Hunt in 2004; Best American Classic Car at Greenwich in 2005; AACA National First Prize honors in 1999; and a Classic Car Club of America Senior Premier badge, number 2086, among many other honors.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2017